Where load test procedures are not specified in the
applicable design standards listed in Chapter 35, the load-bearing and
deformation capacity of structural components and assemblies shall be
determined on the basis of a test procedure developed by a registered
design professional that simulates applicable loading and deformation
conditions. For components and assemblies that are not a part of the
seismic-force-resisting system, the test shall be as specified in Section
1715.3.1. Load tests shall simulate the applicable loading conditions specified
in Chapter 16.
1715.3.1
Test
procedure. The test assembly shall be subjected to an increasing
superimposed load equal to not less than two times the superimposed design
load. The test load shall be left in place for a period of 24 hours. The tested
assembly shall be considered to have successfully met the test requirements if
the assembly recovers not less than 75 percent of the maximum deflection within
24 hours after the removal of the test load. The test assembly shall then be
reloaded and subjected to an increasing superimposed load until either
structural failure occurs or the superimposed load is equal to two and one-half
times the load at which the deflection limitations specified in Section
1715.3.2 were reached, or the load is equal to two and one-half times the
superimposed design load. In the case of structural components and assemblies
for which deflection limitations are not specified in Section 1715.3.2, the
test specimen shall be subjected to an increasing superimposed load until
structural failure occurs or the load is equal to two and one-half times the
desired superimposed design load. The allowable superimposed design load shall
be taken as the lesser of:
1. The load at the
deflection limitation given in Section 1715.3.2.
2. The failure load divided by 2.5.
3. The maximum load applied divided by
2.5.
1715.3.2
Deflection. The deflection of structural members under the design load
shall not exceed the limitations in Section 1604.3.
